GHANA AND MOZAMBIQUE
TOTAL COST: $2.9 MILLION
Implementing Partners: Opportunity International Savings and Loans (Ghana), Banco Oportunidad de Moçambique (Mozambique)
PROJECT OBJECTIVES: This project's purpose is to increase the rural outreach capacity of Opportunity Ghana (OISL) and Banco Oportunidad de Moçambique (Mozambique) (BOM) in a cost-effective, sustainable manner.
Goal 1: Development of innovative, cost-effective delivery channels of microfinance services in peri-urban and rural areas. While political turmoil in Ghana has slowed expansion of plans, the number of new active microloan clients made in 2008 still exceeded expectations. Of the 23,660 new active loan clients made, 16,524 were in rural areas; and 81% of total active loan clients were women.
Goal 2: Development and provision of two microinsurance products.
Goal 3: Deepening of staff training in delivery of micro-finance services. In Ghana, 238% achievement rate was recorded on development of staff training modules.
Goal 4: Development of Client Training Manuals. A total of 7,831 clients of OISL and BOM received holistic training covering leadership development, financial management, community development, health and education, and effective use of credit.
Goal 5: Development of Opportunity's Africa Shared Services, conferences that allow partners in the African region to improve knowledge, share collective experience and standardize procedures and practices.
Goal 6: Provision of safe, interest-bearing savings accounts for clients of BOM and OISL. Under the program, 28,933 people from peri-urban and rural areas have opened savings accounts.
A Story from Ghana
Lucas Chingore
Sixteen years ago, Lucas's country was devastated by civil war and fertile land lay untended. Today, with Opportunity's help, he's reaping a harvest.
Nelizer Darko
From her ovens, the fragrance of bread, donuts, chips, cakes and meat pies wafts about the village. In breaking bread with others, Nelizer is breaking the barriers of poverty in her community.